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Monday, June 27, 2011

Peach and Blueberry Cobbler with Cinnamon Streusel

I cannot begin to express how much I appreciated every single comment that was left for me, when I posted my poignant goodbye to my beloved cat. I wrote that post, the day before my kitty had to be put to sleep. It was part of my healing/acceptance process that "Tiger Lily's" loud purr would be silenced. Her spirit is forever my heart. Thank you for your compassion, encouragement and sympathy. It really helped. I miss my furry friend, but life goes on. Yes, I have fourteen years of great memories that I will never forget. Each day gets a little better.

Yesterday, I decided to make my first fruit cobbler. I've always meant to make one, but I suppose that I've always been a big fan of fruit crisps/crumbles. I had a bag of frozen peaches...

...and some fresh blueberries. I first tried pairing these two fruits when I made a Peaches & Blueberry crisp, two years ago and I liked it.

I had bookmarked a recipe for a Berry Cobbler from "Our Best Bites". I liked that this cobbler was more like the traditional versions I've seen on other blogs. I had all the ingredients, on hand, so I decided that some baking therapy is just what I needed to snap out of my funk.

I gave the peaches a quick partial thaw, by washing them with warm water.

One of my favorite pie or fruit dessert "secret" ingredients is Instant ClearJel. It's a pie filling thickener that is added to the sugar. It helps to thicken my pies perfect-- no runny fruit! Sure, you can use flour (which I think tends to muddy flavors), cornstarch or even tapioca. To me, this is my #1 choice thickener. I added 2 Tablespoons of the Instant ClearJel to about 3/4 cup white sugar (you can add less, if you prefer).

I added a bit of lemon zest, reserving most of the zest for the cobbler dough.

Some fresh lemon juice is always a good thing, I think...

I tossed in the sugar-Instant Clear Jel and set the fruit aside.

The cobbler dough is very basic-- 3 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, lemon (or orange) zest, and cold butter. One of my favorite baking tricks is to grate either frozen or cold butter. It makes it much easier to cut into the flour. Try it! You want to mix the butter in, just until everything becomes crumbly. Don't go nuts, here, or you'll end up with very tough dough.

Grease a 9X13 baking dish. Press about 1 1/2 cups of the dough onto the bottom. I didn't photograph this, as my hands were coated with sticky dough. Add the fruit...

"Drop" the remaining dough on top of the fruit. I like to use one of my smaller scoops, which makes this easier. To make the streusel, grate some more butter, add it to flour and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Combine until crumble and distribute evenly on top.

I love cinnamon. Yes, I do.

The oven is preheated to 350F. Bake 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is a light golden brown. Get ready for your kitchen to smell like cinnamon and baked goodness!

My first cobbler!

The topping does resemble cobblestones... I wonder, if this is the origin of this dishes' name?

I let this dessert cool until just warm.

I was pleased to see that the fruit wasn't runny. The dough looks very tender. Let's dig in!

I have nothing against fresh whipped cream. But vanilla ice cream reigns supreme in our home.

TASTING NOTES: Oh, wow! The cobbler is really tender. The sweetness isn't over-the-top. The cinnamon streusel is a perfect compliment to peaches and the very slight tartness of the blueberries. The lemon zest adds a beautiful note to the whole dish. I'm loving this dish! My husband loved it, too. I had no idea that cobbler has great childhood memories for him. This is a very simple dessert to make. The next time I make this, I would add double the amount of peaches. The frozen peaches worked perfectly, so I can make this year-round -- even during cold winter months, when I'd like to have a taste of summer. This cobbler is going to be made with different variations of berries. While I always thought I loved fruit crisps best, I am a true convert! Great recipe!

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I'm feeling much better. Thank you again, for your friendship and support.

26 comments:

I am glad u are finding comfort in baking to help your grief... I am sorry I missed your other post on Tiger Lily... I know exactly what you are going through... ((HUGS)).. I feel for your other kitty, I know her heart is hurting as well.

I'm sorry about your kitty, but having had two dogs that were part of the family for 17 years, I can so understand how you are feeling. This wonderful, colorful cobbler looks like the perfect comfort food.

Oh Yum! Growing up in Texas, peach cobbler was a common dessert served by everyone. Living in New England now, it's hard to get really great peaches so I always have a bag or two of frozen peaches in the freezer.

Oh Debby, so sorry to hear about Tiger Lily. I'm sending you a barrel of hugs. I've had to part with five Siberian Huskies over the last 30+ years and it never gets easier. Time does soften the pain and leave you with the happy memories of your loved one. A long time ago, I found the saying "God gives us memories so we may have roses in December". I still love it, though it has more meaning when you live in the snowy north vs. So Cal! Just remember the happy times and know you're being thought of. P.S. The cobbler is on my "to do" list for next week, looks too good to pass up. Again, hugs.

I am glad you are feeling better. I don't know why but when you make something it always looks so much better than I do, LOL. I bet it tastes better too. I have to get some of that clearjel, I have been shopping at King Arthur alot lately!

I used your fabulous recipe here for blueberry/raspberry Cobbler and it was fantastic! I just happen to have cream in the house because I bought a new ice cream maker. I didn't have that gel but runny fruit was just as delicious! Great recipe!

I want to make this cobbler with just peaches. Do I add the additional amount of peaches for the swap out of the blueberries. Also, do I keep the lemon in the recipe, I assume you added the lemon because of the blueberries. Thank You.

Yes, add more peaches if you're not adding blueberries. I'd guess one extra? Keep in mind, though, that there is more pectin in the blueberries so you might want to compensate for whatever thickener you use...or expect your cobbler to be a bit more runny. Either way, it'll taste great!

Dear Anonymous,I wish you had read my instructions where you left your comment, or seen IN BIG RED LETTERS on the right side bar, how to view my printable recipe card.It would be kinda silly of me to not give a recipe and instructions. I hope you check back, and/or would have left your email.

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